Auto Racing: oil, oil change intervals, auto restorers

Question
I drive a 2000 Toyota Sienna van 60,000 miles and a 1994 Volvo 940 with 160,000 miles on it.  I have been using Castro Synthec synthetic oil with each oil change.  

How much difference does it make to use this more expensive oil?  Is it worth it?  

Karl

Answer
Hi Karl. I'll start with an unequivocal yes,it is worth it if you plan to keep both vehicles running in top shape .I learned  synthetics had their start in the aircraft industry where the temperature on the ground can be over 100 degrees F,and plummet to near zero at 30,000 feet.the aircraft engines would have a tough time with a natural oil.In my race, and my daily  car i use a synthetic for 2 main reasons 1. an automatic horsepower increase,2. antiwear properties including cold start initial oil flow.the horsepower increase can be of use to you in fuel savings.if the cost is getting you down ,you can prolong the oil change intervals to 4000 even 4500miles safely. i made an observation years ago when i was an engine specialist in a GM dealership and noticed compression ring wear had nearly vanished and vehicles with 100,000+ miles were showing very little engine wear,i thought "if we had these oils commonly available 30 years ago ,the classic auto restorers could probably skip the engine rebuild and concentrate on the body ". if you were to lift the hood on most any exotic vehicle ,lamborghini,viper,ferrari(Corvettes have synthetic oil installed on the assembly line ) etc. there is a syntetic oils only sticker on the engine,usually Mobil 1 for some reason .I hope i supplied some pertinent information ,Good Luck,That Volvo should go to 1/4 million miles and more . JMAZIO